2017 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · PY66 JFA

The Toyota Hilux presents a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with its most recent MOT in September 2025 at 75,388 miles passing without defects—a positive sign, though the absence of advisories or minor wear items raises questions about thoroughness. The trend, however, is not stable. Just nine months earlier, in December 2024, the vehicle passed again with no issues, but the December 2023 test revealed two critical failures: a fractured nearside rear leaf spring and a supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault, alongside a tyre worn to the legal limit. The leaf spring fracture is particularly alarming, as it suggests either a heavy load event or chronic neglect of suspension components. While the subsequent MOTs passed, the December 2023 failures indicate that serious structural and safety issues were present and required immediate attention—yet no follow-up advisories or defects appear in later tests, implying either repairs were made or the tester overlooked recurring risks. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,376 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests are revealing. The December 2023 failure occurred at 56,745 miles, just over a year after the January 2023 MOT at 48,506 miles—a relatively short interval that may have masked the leaf spring issue until it became critical. The next test, December 2024 at 67,052 miles, passed cleanly, suggesting repairs were completed, but the lack of advisories in the September 2025 test at 75,388 miles is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage. A buyer should question whether the suspension—particularly the rear leaf springs—has been fully inspected or replaced, as fractures in these components can compromise ride stability and safety. Given the history, a prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension, focusing on the leaf springs for signs of fatigue, corrosion, or further fractures. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault in December 2023 should also prompt a check of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and wiring harness for integrity, as these faults can reoccur if not properly diagnosed. While tyres are consumable items, the December 2023 failure on the offside rear tyre—combined with the nearside tyre’s edge wear—hints at alignment or tracking issues that may have contributed to uneven wear. A closer look at the brakes is warranted, too, as binding rear brakes were not explicitly noted but could correlate with suspension or wheel bearing wear. Structural integrity, particularly around the rear axle and chassis, should be scrutinised for signs of rust or impact damage, given the leaf spring failure. Without a clear record of repairs or advisories post-December 2023, this Hilux demands hands-on verification before purchase.